Post-Game Notebook: Staal re-uniting with Malkin?

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When Jordan Staal scored 29 goals in his rookie season, 7 of them were short-handed and 14 of them were at even strength playing on a line with Evgeni Malkin.

Tonight against the Flyers Staal saw significant time Malkin. This time around though, Staal played center.

The two connected for a 1st period goal as Malkin controlled the puck in the neutral zone and found Staal who used a power move to beat Ray Emery for his first goal of the season.

Indications prior to the season was that the coaching staff would look to get Staal and Malkin together in four-on-four situations.

Moving Staal with Malkin doesn’t appear to be a full time gig because the Penguins don’t have a viable 3rd line center until Max Talbot returns but look for Bylsma to use the two forwards together more often.

NHL to investigate Hartnell-Letang altercation

Did Scott Hartnell bite Kris Letang? The Pittsburgh Penguins have accused Flyers winger Scott Hartnell of biting Kris Letang. Letang received stitches following the game. The NHL will look into the matter.

Trade Buzz: Thursday’s 1-for-1 trade of young underperforming players saw the Minnesota Wild acquire center Victor Rask from the Carolina Hurricanes for left winger Nino Niederreiter. Carolina did an excellent job of being able to get out of the Rask contract, who has three years remaining with a $4 million cap hit. Rask has 1 goal, 5 assists on the season, mirrored in a 22-game goal drought. The logic here for Minnesota is taking the chance on a playmaking center who can help fill a top-9 spot longer term if the Wild move on from Eric Staal. Minnesota is also playing the card that a change of scenery will benefit the 24-year old who posted a career-high 21 goals, 48 points in 2015-2016.

Niederreiter’s trade value was stunted because of his contract, where he has three years left on his deal with a $5.25 million cap hit. Niederreiter is a player who is extremely hard to play against, drives possession well, and has three 20 goal seasons over his last four full seasons. Injuries (18 goals in 63 games) kept him from a 4th straight 20-goal season in 17-18. The Niederreiter acquisition also sets up as great insurance for the Hurricanes if they can’t resign Micheal Ferland. In the short-term, Carolina’s center situation is a mess with Jordan Staal sidelined with a concussion, but they’re getting the better player who fits the identity they’re trying to establish upfront, especially on the wings where they’ve identified the need for Patric Hornqvist type players.